Sydney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the Bondi Beach attack in his New Year’s message, highlighting the tragedy and community response.
As reported by Sky News, in his New Year’s message, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the courage and solidarity shown in Australia after the Bondi Beach attack on 14 December.
How did Anthony Albanese address the Bondi Beach attack in his New Year’s message?
Anthony Albanese opened his New Year’s message on a sombre note, saying the usual celebrations were overshadowed by the recent tragedy.
He said,
“Following the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians at Bondi Beach, our hearts ache for every life lost and every life changed forever.”
According to Mr Albanese, Australians showed
“the best of the Australian spirit in all its courage and compassion. That is why I’m optimistic and determined that in the new year we will rise to meet the challenges ahead of us.”
At Sydney’s Opera House, crowds have started assembling for the New Year celebrations, which will include a tribute to the Bondi Beach attack victims.
How did Chris Minns advise Sydney residents ahead of the New Year’s celebrations?
The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, announced that police will be deployed in massive numbers across the state.
According to reports, he said certain police will be armed with unfamiliar weapons, marking an unprecedented show of firepower.
Mr Minns encouraged residents to attend New Year’s Eve events and celebrations with family and friends.
He added,
“Because of the weird ideology of some of these terrorists, what they want is for us to crawl up into a ball and not have fun with our family and friends. I’m calling on the people of Sydney to step out, to do what you would ordinarily do, to thumb your nose at the terrorists.”
When and how did the Bondi Beach shooting take place?
On 14 December 2025, at around 6:47 PM local time, two gunmen attacked attendees of a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach’s Archer Park, firing shots and attempting to use homemade bombs that did not explode.
The attack targeted a “Chanukah by the Sea” event attended by nearly 1,000 people on the first night of Hanukkah. Officials have declared it a terrorist act, allegedly motivated by antisemitism and inspired by Islamic State ideology.
Police shot Sajid Akram, an Indian national and licensed firearms holder, killing him at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, was critically injured but taken into custody.
Authorities believe the pair acted alone after months of planning, including travel to the Philippines and firearms training.
The Bondi Beach attack claimed 16 lives. Victims included a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, and a retired police detective. Forty people were injured, and two weeks later, ten remained hospitalized.
Where are New Year’s fireworks held in Australia?
Australia’s largest New Year’s celebration takes place at Sydney Harbour, with fireworks launched from the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and nearby barges.
City centers and waterways across Australia host official fireworks displays, with key locations at Brisbane’s South Bank, Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, and Perth’s Elizabeth Quay.
Many communities organize New Year’s displays in coastal and suburban regions, including Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast and Glenelg in Adelaide.